Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing

Picture this: a vibrant Greek salad that tastes like a vacation for your taste buds, bringing sunshine into every bite while making you feel like a culinary artist without breaking a sweat. 🍴🌿

The vibrant flavors and crisp textures of a classic Greek salad are what I love. My version combines fresh Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber; the briny Kalamata olives and creamy feta make the dish.

A zesty homemade dressing—extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, a hint of garlic, and oregano—has the desired finishing touch of a salad dressing that can stand up to the abundant ingredients and flavors of a Greek salad. I am hard-pressed to think of a salad that is more delicious or more nutritionally bountiful.

Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing Ingredients

• Romaine Lettuce: Low-calorie; high in fiber; adds crisp freshness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C; adds a sweet-tart burst.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and low-calorie; provides crunch and freshness.
• Red Onion: Provides a mild, zesty flavor; contains beneficial antioxidants.
• Kalamata Olives: Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E; adds a savory, briny flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy; provides protein and calcium.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; full-bodied taste; enhances dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and a hint of sour; aids in digestion.

Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced

How to Make this Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing

1. In a sizable salad bowl, add 2 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce.

2. First layer a cup of halved cherry tomatoes, then layer 1 large diced cucumber, and 1/2 thinly sliced red onion on top of the lettuce.

3. Add 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.

4. Chop 1 green bell pepper and add it to the salad.

5. In a mixing bowl that is small, combine by whisking 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil with 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.

6. Include 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in the vinaigrette and whisk until well combined.

7. In a mixing bowl, combine the dressing components. To make the dressing, follow these steps:

1. Stir together 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 clove of minced garlic.

2. Add to the dressing mixture, whisking until blended.

8. Dress the salad ingredients in the large bowl with the homemade dressing.

9. Toss the salad gently until the dressing coasts every leaf and the salad is well combined.

10. Serve the Greek salad right away as a refreshing and flavorful side or main dish.

Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing Equipment Needed

1. Salad bowl
2. Mixing bowl (small)
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk
8. Salad tongs or large spoon and fork

FAQ

• What can I substitute for Romaine lettuce?You can use spinach or mixed greens instead of Romaine lettuce. They will give you a different texture and flavor.
• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?Certainly, you can substitute goat cheese or a mild blue cheese for the cheese called for in the recipe, though the substitution may slightly change the flavor toward something more Mediterranean.
• Is there a way to make the dressing without olive oil?Certainly! Use avocado oil or leave the oil out altogether for a lighter dressing. Just add a little extra vinegar to balance the flavors.
• Can I prepare the salad in advance?Indeed, you can wash and cut the components of the salad several hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just be sure to toss the salad with dressing right before eating it—otherwise, the delicate greens might start to droop.
• What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?You can leave it out altogether or swap it for yellow mustard. The dressing does not require anything fancy, but a tangy depth adds interest. Mustard provides that depth; however, it is not mandatory.
• How long will the dressing keep in the refrigerator?You can keep the dressing you make in the refrigerator for up to one week. Its storage method is very much like that of the dressing you slice. It is kept in an airtight container.

Greek Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing Substitutions and Variations

Romaine lettuce: Substitute with spinach or mixed greens.
Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes may be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Cucumber: Replace it with zucchini or celery if you want the same crunchy texture.
Feta cheese—substitutes: Goat cheese or ricotta salata work well for a very similar texture. Goat cheese: Not as creamy as feta, but a similar flavor. Ricotta salata: A drier, firmer cheese with a similar salty flavor.
Kalamata olives: Use black olives or green olives instead.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Ingredients For an extra refreshing salad, chill your vegetables, olives, and feta cheese in the refrigerator for at least an hour before assembling the salad. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully when served cold.

2. Marinate the Onions To take the sharpness out of the red onion, soak the slices in cold water with a splash of red wine vinegar for about 15 minutes before adding them to the salad. Pat them dry before using.

3. Enhance the Dressing Consider adding a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the dressing mixture. This can balance the acidity of the vinegar and the mustard, giving the dressing a more rounded flavor.

4. Use Fresh Oregano If you have access to fresh oregano, use it instead of dried. Fresh oregano adds a vibrant, aromatic flavor that lifts the salad. Use approximately three times the amount as you would for dried.

5. Optimize Feta Texture For creamier texture, use a block of feta cheese and crumble it by hand instead of using pre-crumbled feta. This preserves the cheese’s moisture and flavor, adding a richer quality to your salad.